LS1 VS Drift Ute

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

This was my vs ute I used to drive around before I acquired my HSV Maloo R8.  She originally had a roller cam 5L & Getrag 290 in her and was a somewhat Maloo mockup.  I was going to sell her but injured myself at one of the worlds stops for the cable Wakeboarding tour and decided to take a year off to heal properly and came up with a plan to pass the time.  I’ve always had a love of cars especially Maloos and want to keep the kms down on mine while fully restoring and building her up but had basic knowledge on cars, plus I also live 10 mins from Queensland Raceway so I decided to turn the old girl into a daily/drifter.  Funnily enough it took me the whole year I was off the water to get her back on the road.

I chose the ls1 conversion because of my love for NA V8s and I needed more power for drifting, not to mention I already had an ls1 knowing how easy it was to get power out of then compared to the 5L.  Doing a fair bit of research on it, I gathered a list of what I needed to complete the conversion and some useful advice (mainly to stay away from the castlemaine kits).  I was going to do a basic budget build to begin with but changed my mind many times over especially with more and more research, this is the ongoing result.

Engine: LS1 – ls6 valley cover, tuff mounts, Malwood LHS starter conv., killa kustoms loom, “300kw” mail order tune.

Trans: T56 – Textralia Z-Grip clutch kit, GMM Ripshifter, tuff mounts tubular x-member & transmission mount, braided clutch line, Tick remote speed bleeder 4″ length (best thing ever)

Feul system: vs v8 lift pump, 1.5L surge, Bosch 044, C5 corvette filter/regulator, pressure check valve, -6 braided line all round.

Exhaust: Thermal Edge HPC Pacemaker headers, 200cpi cats, twin 2.5″ system – flowmaster middle mufflers then straight pipes.

Diff: Torq4x4 rebuilt BW78 live axle 3.89 Lokka, Malwood front half tailshaft, upgraded unis.

Suspension:   front – Pedders height adjustable coilovers, 30mm whiteline swaybar, balljoint swaybar links.

rear – Nolathane solid upper arms, Nolathane adjustable panhard rod, Nolathane bushes all round, 22mm whiteline swaybar, sl king springs, Monroe GT short travel shocks.

Brakes: VY HSV 330mm twin piston fronts & 315mm single pot rears, braided lines

Wheels: VE sv6 18 inch rims

Interior: VR statesman dash with top glovebox, VS series 3 statesman centre console and radio surround, Commodore Clusters LS converted  Level 3 cluster, VE sv6 gear knob & boot, Momo RACE steering wheel.

Other Mods: ASI VL Turbo 3 core alloy radiator, PWR powersteering cooler, AU Thermos, roller lid, JVC head unit, boxed Sony 6x9s behind the seats, ls1 ecu hidden in factory position.

how she originally looked and my Maloo

The ls1Roller cam 304

Amazing what living on even a short dirt road can doFirst piece of the puzzleNew donk in placeEarly girl clearanceGot bored waiting for funds and parts so I ripped the dash outStatesman dash inMixing and matching like a champ haha

• This topic was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by  LF24.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by  LF24.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by  LF24.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by  LF24.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Z-grip clutch

Final fitment

Almost ready to roll

Feul system

Gotta love Big brakes

First start up

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/liquid_force24/media/8B322249-BF8A-4245-A329-83A08091EA26.mp4.html

Sneaky Acceleration vid

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/liquid_force24/media/87AC25F7-D4F2-4E2E-B107-F7AA798CAAEA.mp4.html

Engine & gearbox back out

And back in

Testing out the new setup

Hiding ls1 ecu in factory position

How she pretty much sits now

My brothers Forester and the VS

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Only just got the diff rebuilt with 3.89 gears and a 4WD systems lokka.  Rebuilt by Torq4x4 who do quite a bit of work with lokkas and did a fantastic job considering the button clutch manual it is.

only thing im having trouble with is she axle tramps really bad in a straight line, although thanks to old posts by Luke_VN i think i might have sussed the problem…. being i need stiffer linear rear springs.

future mods in the plans are as follows:

Suspension: VT-VZ front lcas, hubs & modified knuckles, adjustable radius rods, adjustable strut tops, mcdonalds bros. rear coilover kit, MSF Racing rca watts link.

Driveline:  move radiator back and fit OTR, Improved Racing baffled sump, Accusump setup,  Rebuilt engine or 6L block.

apart from that she needs some panel work and a coat of paint.  The patchwork panels, mis-coloured lid, poorly debadged, dinted look does get a few interesting looks when out at the track or if you open her up.

Also just put on a set of the new Bridgestone Potenza RE003 which seem to do a great job.  Handled themselves very well on a wet track the other morning.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by  LF24.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Bloody nice mate, just a great conversion into these cars (imo) lot and lots of headroom once an LS is in there to dial in more hp when/if needed.  Would be a bit of a handful in ute

 

[KroozerParticipant Forbes, NSW91 VN SS View build HERE Member since: February 19, 2015 Posts: 336]

Looks like lots of fun 

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Replaced the heater core today as it had been leaking.  Used the cut and shut with heater hose method, was still a PITA.

Just purchased an ASR sump baffle and windage tray kit.  Had to purchase a brand new windage tray and get it sent to ASR as they used to do them on a swap over basis but nobody sent them back.

 

I’ve also been trying to suss some custom linear springs from a few different company’s, this is what I have gotten back so far:

Eibach – said they don’t make one-offs

Lovells – said they will give me my local distributor details but haven’t replied back

Kings – said its not a worry and I just need measurement between spring seats at full droop

 

So looks like king springs it’ll have to be.

[HDN05LParticipant Canberra ACTVS Olympic Edt 383 stroker Ute View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 289]

I just got some modified springs made up for my vs ute rears from a company in sydney, cost me $220 for 2. Give them a call if you like Universal Springs in Prestons. They came across very knowledgable about spring rates etc.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 3 months ago by  HDN05L.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

That’s awesome mate, cheers for the info!! 

• This reply was modified 9 years, 3 months ago by  LF24.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

^and that’s why I love forums, nice work..

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

So I’ve had a bit of a change of plans.  I picked up an LS2 crate engine for a great price today.  Will have to acquire a few things like extension looms and a cable throttle body and then sell the ls1 but she’ll be going in sooner than later!

 

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

love that 

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

So in July I managed to snag myself a QLD Spring Drift Matsuri ticket (which is not always easy, we crashed the QR website 20mins before sales opened)

Spring Matsuri is in 2.5 weeks so I’ve got to start prepping! ill be going over everything to make sure she’s 100% as well as installing the following parts:

– ASR sump baffle & Moroso gasket

– Universal Springs linear rear springs (30mm drop, 30% stiffer than stock)

– VZ front lcas, wheel bearings, modified solid radius rods, modified steering knuckles (radius rods & knuckles by Showtime customs & fab)

– New clutch master cylinder (mines leaking)

– oil, powersteering, clutch fluid change and plenty of tyres

 

will hopefully get some pics and upload them when I’m doing it.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Great stuff, following

[moodybluebobParticipant View build HERE Member since: March 4, 2015 Posts: 44]

If you dont mind me asking how much did the 4wd locka set you back? Was looking into that for my car and the shops only 15 minutes down the road.

Be cool to see this at matsuri, will be heading out to watch this year!

[Phire aka GmfanParticipant VictoriaVT LS1 Wagon View build HERE Member since: March 3, 2015 Posts: 105]

I’m interested in your vz lca/knuckle and radius rod setup.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

moodybluebob wrote:

If you dont mind me asking how much did the 4wd locka set you back? Was looking into that for my car and the shops only 15 minutes down the road. Be cool to see this at matsuri, will be heading out to watch this year!

the Lokka was $449 inc delivery.  I’m very happy with it.  Unlocks really well even in the wet and very predictable lock up when you get into the power.  I did have to adjust my driving style with it but you get used to it.  Only problems I’ve come across is axle tramp in a straight line when spinning them up (got a set of stiffer linear springs to try and fix this(not in yet)) and she can be a pain in tight car parks at crawling speeds (this might have something to do with mine being a button clutch manual and not riding the clutch ever haha)

Phire aka Gmfan wrote:

I’m interested in your vz lca/knuckle and radius rod setup.

Ben at Showtime customs has been in contact with me the last couple of days over this.  The VZ lcas fit with good castor with a set of their custom shortened solid radius rods (the inner bush is under some bind but should be alright with urethane bushes) but the modified knuckles are fouling on the lca before reaching full lock. So I’ll be running normal VZ knuckles for now (tiny bit better lock than stock VS).  I’m going to run with this setup and see how it goes and if I want more lock we talked about a full custom set of knuckles and lca modification.  I’ll get some pics up when I put it all in.

 

looks like I won’t be doing Matsuri anymore as I Fractured my left Patella over the weekend wakeboarding.  Quite disappointed as this was going to be my first Matsuri   

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Probably my best pass from this past morning session.

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/liquid_force24/media/7ECAFE83-4CB1-4733-A6E8-275A4AE328D7.mp4.html

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

So… ive been pretty slack since my last post.  Just been driving her around everywhere and hitting a few friday night drift sessions.

 

But i managed to pick myself up another Matsuri ticket, for the Autumn event this time.  Its in 2 weeks and ive just started prepping.  I still have to put the sump baffle in and change the sump gasket and rocker gaskets.  I also still have to put my modified vz front end suspension in too.  Apart from that, change all the fluids and she should be good to go.

 

Ive still been having some problems with axle tramp.  And my rear wheels smashing the inner tub on track days.  So i decided to finish off my rear end with some of Tuff Mounts braced rear lower control arms.  Im hoping this will solve the rest of my problems without having to go a full 4-link setup just yet.

 

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Thats a nicely made bit of kit by the look of it.

[Phire aka GmfanParticipant VictoriaVT LS1 Wagon View build HERE Member since: March 3, 2015 Posts: 105]

I’ll be interested to hear your results with the plated lower arms. Does it tramp in a straight line or is it tramping in a slide? I have bad tramp in my 250rwkw VT wagon that I’ve tried to cure with various parts but my old 130rwkw 5lt sedan with live axle didn’t tramp at all.

Have you considered fitting a falcon watts link instead of the panhard road? It’s not the ideal watts link setup but should possibly only require a chassis mount and some arms. Diff hat bolts straight on. Would stop any lateral movement of the diff in slides.

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